Will a 280 Sedan engine fit a 280sl?

[n/a]

I'm looking at a 1968 280sl that needs an engine. Will any other year/model engines directly substitute under the hood? Are there any 280sl used engunes out there? I know you guys are experts here, so any advice would be helpful. I've always wanted a 113 style convertible and have a limited budget. Its going to be my college graduation present to myself after returning to college after a 22 year break. I'm looking for a good daily driver if anyone knows of one affordable in the southeast.  Thanks in advance for the help!

[ja17]

Hello ccrunk1,
Yes a sedan engine will fit just fine. It will have a sedan "engine  number" and will have no tachometer drive gear assembly. You can add the tachometer drive gear assembly to a sedan engine however. I know of several good used engines. You may be able to find a good running sedan parts car for a bargain.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[rwmastel]

quote:Originally posted by ccrunk1

I'm looking for a good daily driver if anyone knows of one affordable in the southeast.  Thanks in advance for the help!

How much shopping have you done on the internet?  You might find something close to home.  I know how you feel, I would not buy one without driving it and personally taking it for a PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection).  Try the links in this thread:

http://index.php?topic=2744

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[n/a]

I've been looking daily for a 113 at many of the links in the forum. I'm finishing up a 1942 jukebox and have ear-marked those funds for my car purchase.  How much for a used 280sl engine?     Thanks, Chris

[Cees Klumper]

Hi Chris - here in Europe, sedan M130 engines cost around $1,000. As Joe indicates, you may be able to find a running sedan parts car (important to be able to check the engine running if you want to drop it right in without doing work to it) for about that amount? Take out the complete engine and some of the other exchangeable parts (not too sure what all they are, but I reckon at least the steering box and rear axle) and you can discard the rest.

Cees Klumper in Amsterdam
'69 white 280 SL automatic

[TheEngineer]

An engine from a 280SE is identical, except a little less HP but it'll run on regular gas. Best to buy an entire car, because you can drive it before you buy, check the compression & oil consumption (drive it a few month) and you get all the litte clips, wires and stuff. Don't forget the transmission!

[Sven]

don't forget the transmission?  are the transmissions from SL and SE identical as well?  I had heard to the contrary due to different bolt pattern.  obviously the SE may have a different linkage setup from a SL (post vs floor), but is that the only difference?

[ja17]

Hello,
The engines in the sedans and SL's both have the same compression. They are designed  to run on high test fuels. All the main componants including pistons, crankshaft, connecting rods, oil pan, cylinder head, cylinder block, intake manifold, exhaust manifolds, even injection pumps and much more are exactly the same. The 230-SL is the exception it's engine is unique to the SL. It does share some parts with some sedans but the cylinder head, intake and injection are completely unique to the 230-SL.

The different horsepower rating of the 280 "SL" engine over a 280SE sedan engine is probably due to a slightly "hotter" camshaft and the different distributor used in the SL.

The engine motor mount alluminum supports are different from sedans. The SL engine sits about an inch lower due to these supports.

Prior to 1969 most Mercedes  automatics in sedans and SL's used the  "K4C025"
When Mercedes upgraded to the newer, smoother automatic transmissions in the sedans in 1969, they did not upgrade in the SL's. The SL's kept the older automatic until the end of its production. The engine/transmission match plate is different on the early and late automatics. You can easily switch these engine/transmission match plates. You will have to switch the automatic flywheels on the later 280-SE sedan engines. The standard shift flywheels are the same.

There may be some minor plumbing and accessory differences but these engines are mostly the same in their series. Always think of  the series (group)of sedan and SL engines in this way: M127 (230SL= unique), M129 (250SL=250SE), M130(early 280SL=early 280SE), M130(late 280SL=late 280SE).

Note the two different "early and late" 280 series engines. These are different animals with the heads and cylinder blocks being different and not interchangable. However they do share the same crankshaft, pistons, rods, flywheels etc.

The physical size and configuration of all these engines is basically the same so if you are not too picky almost any sedan or SL injected engine will work in your car.





Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio